Major US Historical Events from 1900 - 2000

By kaitlynbhunt
  • Galveston Hurricane

    Galveston Hurricane

    The deadliest natural disaster in US history at the time. 6,000 - 8,000 people were killed; an estimated 20% of the island's population.
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    World War I

    In 1917, the US officially entered WWI where millions of Americans fought overseas.

  • Stock Market Crash

    After Herbert Hoover was inaugurated, the stock market crashed. This led to the Great Depression, or the country's greatest economic downfall in history.
  • Star Spangled Banner became National Anthem

    Star Spangled Banner became National Anthem

  • Fair Labor Standards Act is passed

    Fair Labor Standards Act is passed

    Through this, the US sets its first federal minimum wage - 25 cents.
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    World War II

    The US stayed neutral for the first two years of war, until the Attack on Pearl Harbor. In 1941, the US declared war on Imperial Japan.

  • "Explorer I" is Launched

    First American satellite is launched.

  • Alaska and Hawaii become States

    Alaska is the 49th state (Jan. 3rd), and Hawaii is the 50th state (Aug. 21).
  • MLK Jr. Delivers "I Have a Dream" Speech

    MLK Jr. Delivers "I Have a Dream" Speech

    This is delivered in front of a crowd of 200,000 people during the Civil Rights March in Washington DC.

  • President JFK is Assassinated

    JFK is shot in Dallas, Texas.
  • Roe v. Wade Legalizes Abortion in First Trimester

    Roe v. Wade Legalizes Abortion in First Trimester

  • Space Shuttle "Challenger" Explodes After Liftoff

    Space Shuttle "Challenger" Explodes After Liftoff

    Explosion occurred 73 seconds after liftoff. All 7 crew members onboard were killed.

  • Bombing in Oklahoma

    A federal office building in Oklahoma City kills 168 people. This is the deadliest act of homegrown terrorism in US history. Now a beautiful memorial is built in its place to honor the lives of the victims.